Sunday, 10 August 2008

A holiday on Bali will take your breath away and stimulate all your senses — even some you didn’t know about. Invigorating and calming at the same time you will not want to leave this mystical island. Here’s what I loved about being here.

Top Ten Things to do in Bali and Lombok

1. Replenish your soul at Uluwatu resort at the south western tip of Bukit Peninsula - you will be lulled to sleep at night by the same waves that rock Dreamland - you will never rest more deeply. This sacred spot is an enchanting jewel - the bungalows cling to a cliffwith breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. For lovers, surfers, poets, and solo explorers.

2. Take a surf lesson on Kuta Beach. Even if you don’t stand up - feeling the wave under you is divine. Don’t miss it.

3. Flex you flirt muscles on Gili Trawangan - this friendly island is filled with locals and foreigners who look you in the eye and laugh with you - white sugar beaches seduce you to stay longer - and the peace is hard to beat. No motorcycles, cars, or engines of any kind. Nirvana.

4. Scuba diving - get certified - get wet - get down under and do it! Swim with a big turtle and you will know bliss. On Gili Trawangan go to Manta Dive - they are wonderfully professional and authentically personable. The staff and owners want you to have fun and see the world beneathe us. It’s gorgeous!

5. See a Barong - every 15 days in Padang Bai there is a celebration and ceremony - the whole town comes out for the festival. Dress in traditional Balinese style - bring your lace jacket, sash, and sarong and you’re in the temple being blessed with holy water. And bring an offering - it could be a frangipani, fruit, or rice krispies just bring something. It’s way better than church.

6. Go to Ubud and see the local dances and art galleries. The clothing stores and jewelry are one of a kind too. Tour the rice terraces outside of town to be in a verdant, lush, green, landscape. Visit the Jazz Cafe at night for live music and to meet fascinating locals and foreigners.

8. Ask locals about their favorite temples, you will get invited to a cremation or a wedding. Trust me.

9. Ride a motorcyle around the island - don’t be a Balinese family and go three to a bike - you’ll be fined. Drive on the left side! It’s energizing and you see more of the island.

10. Shopping and eating in Seminyak. Lily Jean was my favorite store - Made de Coney, a lovely woman from Brazil makes these sexy, zesty, and stylish clothes that enhance your body and make you happy - beautiful fabrics that move with you and designs that place her at the zenith of the fashion world. Buy a new suitcase for your treasures. Then eat at the Santa Fe Grill. Or find your own gem - there are many!

Mary Bartnikowski is the author of a book of essays, “Everyday Naked” available from Amazon. She is a professional photographer in Palo Alto, California.